Yet-to-be-identified arsonists set ablaze the country home of former Senator Frank Ibezim on Monday night.
Ibezim, the immediate past senator for Imo North (Okigwe zone), hails from Nsu in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. A video circulating online shows his house engulfed in flames, with a voice in the background lamenting the destruction.
The ex-lawmaker was recently accused of facilitating a Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp for Fulanis at the National Open University campus in Nsu, a claim he has publicly denied.
In a statement, Ibezim said, “I am compelled by our joint sense of purpose and commitment to address some misinformation arising from the TVC news coverage of my recent visit to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Nsu Study Centre.”
He explained that he was accompanied by officials from the Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“First, I must clarify that the video of refugees attached to the TVC broadcast, which has caused understandable anxiety, was not filmed in Imo State. The insinuation that there is intent to settle IDPs, refugees, or migrant persons at the NOUN Nsu Centre is entirely false.”
Ibezim emphasized, “As a responsible stakeholder, when I see an opportunity for our community, I must act. Obviously, there are mischief-makers who aim to distort my genuine intentions. So, for the purpose of clarity, let me set the record straight as follows:”
He further stated that NOUN Nsu is a federal, multi-disciplinary educational institution, with over 200 students already enrolled since its opening in October 2023, and additional intake ongoing.
“Our visit was for two federal agencies to assess these facilities for training in specialized skills. This is the third agency of government, after Michael Okpara University and the Biotechnology Agency, to evaluate the facilities.”
He clarified that the visiting agency’s name includes “refugees,” but their full mandate also includes equipping communities with skills through integrative programs, not relocating refugees.
“For emphasis, I must restate that there are no plans to settle IDPs, Refugees, or Migrant persons at the National Open University Centre, Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA. Any such claim is categorically false. I will never be part of such a plan.”
In conclusion, Ibezim urged, “All well-meaning citizens should put hands on deck to synergize with the government in facilitating human development, progress, and opportunities for our youth and the less privileged.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the police in Imo State, Henry Okoye, has yet to comment on the incident.